CBD oil vs Hemp seed extract: What's the difference between CBD and hemp products?

Photo by Daniel Hjalmarsson on Unsplash

What’s the difference, and why does it matter? ​

Hemp vs Marijuana 
First, we have to understand where these products are coming from. CBD oil and hemp seed oil are both derived from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa. There are two main categories that we will be looking at; hemp and marijuana.

While many people refer to hemp and marijuana as ‘strains’ of the cannabis plant, this is incorrect. Simply put, they are general categories defined by the plant’s THC content. Hemp generally contains less than 0.3% of THC, and is grown to produce clothing, paper, biofuels, bioplastics, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and foods. Marijuana, on the other hand, has a higher ratio of THC, and is typically cultivated for recreational use.  

CBD oil 

CBD oil is derived from the stalks, stems, and flowers of the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of hundreds of phytocannabinoids present in the plant. This compound boasts a number of impressive benefits, ranging anywhere from promoting healthy skin, to curbing anxiety, to helping manage seizures. 

Hemp Extract 

Hemp extract, on the other hand, is derived from the seeds of cannabis plants. It contains virtually no cannabinoids- no THC, CBD, or CBN. While hemp seed oil may not have the same benefits as CBD oil, it is still rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Hemp extract is also a powerful and very effective moisturizer.

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The takeaway: If you’re looking for something that possesses the unique benefits of CBD, make sure you check the label. Read more about the benefits of CBD here, where informational blogs are posted weekly from the team at Allay! 

And check out my other blog, which offers a quick and easy guide on how to buy CBD, what to look for, and how to read a Certificate of Analysis.